Brother-in-law sets expectant mum ablaze for assaulting his dog

Residents of Umuekechi village in Ngor-Okpala Local Government of Imo State are mourning an expectant mother, Mrs. Uloma Njoku, who was set ablaze by her brother–in-law, Chibueze, for pouring water on his dog.

It was gathered that the incident happened after the mother of three served her children lunch.

Sources said Mrs. Njoku was washing clothes when she was called by one of her children, who complained that the suspect’s dog had dipped its mouth into their cup.

They said: “She rushed out and poured the water on the dog.

“But her brother-in-law, who was in his room, observing what was going on, confronted her. There was a quarrel.

“Thereafter, Mrs. Njoku returned to her work but the suspect went into his room and came out with a bowl of fuel and emptied it on the woman, set her ablaze and disappeared.”

It was gathered that Mrs. Njoku’s cry attracted neighbours, who put out the fire and took her to the community health centre, where she died.

A family source told The Nation that the deceased was never in good terms with the suspect, who is dreaded by villagers.

“This incident is nothing but accumulated grievances but Chibueze went too far this time and that is why the youths searched for him.

“Immediately he was caught, he was handed over to the police,” the source said.

Another villager described the suspect as the terror of the community, saying he had earlier threatened to kill his elder brother and his family.

Police spokesman Vitalis Onugu said the suspect was being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department.